Kia Soul EV Aiming for 120-Mile Range
The Korean automaker’s first U.S. electric vehicle will be among the longest-range EVs available in the U.S., barring the luxury Tesla Model S and limited-availability Toyota RAV4 EV.
November 11, 2013
After first teasing the car in late September, Kia announces more details today of its upcoming Soul electric vehicle.
The Soul EV, due next year in the U.S., should be able to travel 120 miles (193 km) on a single charge, Kia says, making it one of the longest-range EVs in the U.S. from a mass-market manufacturer.
The luxury Tesla Model S can achieve a range of 208-265 miles (335-426 km) depending on the size of its battery.
The California-only Toyota RAV4 EV can travel up to 120 miles on a single charge, but only when in extended mode, which charges the CUV’s 41.8-kWh battery to its full capacity.
Kia’s first EV in the U.S. will use a 27-kWh lithium-ion battery as its power source, and like many EVs will recapture energy during coasting and braking to feed the battery.
Charging the Soul EV is expected to take up to five hours when using a 240V line, Kia says.
Prototype Soul EVs ride on modified platforms of the new ’14 gas-engine-only Soul, and use a 109-hp electric motor making 210 lb.-ft. (285 Nm) of torque.
A single-speed constant-ratio gear reduction unit delivers power to the car’s front wheels.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) is pegged at less than 12 seconds, and top speed is projected to be 90 mph (145 km/h).
The Soul EV will emit a noise at speeds below 12 mph (19 km/h) and when in reverse gear to alert pedestrians the car is near.
Exterior features include projection headlamps, LED positioning and rear combination lamps and 16-in. alloy wheels with an aerodynamic shape.
Inside, the Soul EV will have many eco-friendly touches, including materials with recycled content such as Bio Plastic, Bio Foam, Bio Fabric and Bio Felt, the latter made with recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PTE) plastic.
Antibacterial paint and other materials also will be used on and in the Soul EV, Kia says.
The Soul has been one of Kia’s top-sellers in the U.S., exceeding 100,000 annual sales in 2011 and 2012.
Soul sales this year are down 2.4% to 98,864 units through October, WardsAuto data shows.
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